RACING NEWS: QUITO DE La Roque stayed on best in the testing conditions to land the Surehaul Mercedes Novice Hurdle at Clonmel yesterday. Colm Murphy's 7 to 4 favourite was sent straight to the head of affairs by Davy Russell and disputed the lead throughout with Quadrillon.
The front two began to quicken up going down the back straight for a second time but The Book Thief went with them — with all three rivals in with a chance turning for home.
The Book Thief emerged the main danger to the winner jumping the final flight, but Quito De La Roque found more for pressure and passed the post four lengths to the good.
Murphy said: “I’ll try and find something similar. I would say you won’t get ground soft enough or a race long enough for him.
“He’s a big baby and showed it today. If he improves as much as I think he can, he could be a real nice horse. I’m delighted with him.
“He’s a big, raw baby and chasing is his game. He’s a half-brother to Kazal and the further he got, the better.”
Clonmel Thyestes Chase winner Whinstone Boy further enhanced his Grand National claims with a game display in the Kilcash Chase.
The nine-year-old travelled well throughout under Seán Flanagan and held a narrow lead turning for home.
The challengers were queuing up jumping the final two fences, but Jimmy Mangan’s charge kept on galloping and came home two and a half lengths clear of Leanne.
Willie Mullins’ Glencove Marina was sent off favourite but took a heavy fall at the final fence when beaten. Whinstone Boy was cut by Blue Square into 33 to 1 (from 40s) for Aintree glory, while Paddy Power remain unchanged at the same price.
Mangan saddled Monty’s Pass to win the Grand National in 2003 and all roads now lead to Aintree for Whinstone Boy.
“It was mighty really. Liverpool is the plan and that win won’t do any harm,” said Mangan.
“Stamina is his plus and I’ll be doing a rain dance in Liverpool.
“He’ll also get an entry for the Irish National but if the ground was fast he wouldn’t run in either.”
Tony Mullins has warned punters Aranleigh should not be left out of calculations in the Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday. The eight-year-old recorded his second win over fences with a narrow success in a Grade Three at Punchestown in November and although he has since been off the track, Mullins is anticipating a bold show.
Mullins said: “It’s obviously a good race but I think he’ll be competitive and has a better chance than what his price suggests.
“A few people were saying he was lucky to win the last day but I just think he idles in front.
“If everything goes well, the plan would be to go to Cheltenham for the RSA Chase.”
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